Outside of presidential and war monuments, Obama rhetoric, history lessons and debates between donkeys and elephants, DC thrives on the social dynamics of the sassy power homos that rule the District and the overtly intellectual, headstrong women who spend way too much time on Capitol Hill.  Besides DC’s colossal permanent gay presence, LGBT popular shows such as Real World DC (with the overexposed token queer, Mike Manning), Real Housewives of DC (party crashing anyone?) and Top Chef DC (highlighting the city’s growing foodie scene) have helped peak a global GLBT travel interest in our nation’s capital. Much like its new TV persona, DC is a happening place for the latest and greatest hotel, restaurant, nightlife, and overall social trends. No matter where you go in the District these days, it feels like the city just can’t stop celebrating recent advances in the LGBT struggle for political justice. Hot off the heels of DOMA’s repeal and the District’s gay marriage victory, there’s never been a better time to visit!

When it comes to leisure and business travel, DC’s five-star signatures relentlessly battle it out to wear the crown as the city’s “it” hotel. Now that the buzz has long faded around the Obamas’ pre White House residence at the Hay-Adams, the rooftop bar at the W Hotel, DC (which peers over the White House) and the 30-month full-scale restoration Jefferson Washington DC, it’s the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC that’s garnering oodles of attention.

Fresh from a mini facelift, the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC (202. 554.8588), is redefining DC luxury with the redesign of its four Signature Suites. The 3,500-square-foot Presidential Suite, 1,200-square-foot Oriental Suite, Mandarin and Ambassador Suites, boast stunning and refined contemporary interiors equally fit for the discerning, upscale jetsetter or a Middle East prince. Even the standard rooms of the 400-unit hotel are exquisitely appointed and exceptionally comfortable with the brand’s signature Asian influence and crisp, clean style. One of the hotel’s greatest features is the Tai Pan Lounge – an expansive club level lounge where guests are treated to breakfast, cocktail hours, hors d’oeuvres and huge jars of decorated cookies. It’s not just the food that stands out at Tai Pan. The stellar service stands reminiscent of sister properties in Thailand. The lounge’s laid-back living room vibe and fantastic views often leave you debating whether to chillax in the lounge or in your fabulous room. Indulgence hits a new high at the hotel’s elaborate spa, where treatments like the 90-minute deep tissue bamboo massage are simply part of a greater, unforgettable spa experience.

To meet the rising demand of haute cuisine, high-end hotels like the Mandarin have been busy constructing pristine nests for celebrity chefs to lay their golden eggs. The hotel recently welcomed acclaimed Chef Eddie Moran to partake in the growing regional trend of mid-Atlantic comfort food with Sou’Wester, a decadent eating extravaganza celebrated by power brokers, policy makers and DC socialites. This is one restaurant where the gay boys don’t count carbs and fat grams; in fact, they shovel in the cornbread, the oysters, the Grilled North Carolina Shrimp Cheddar Cheese Grits, and the Sautéed Chesapeake Bay Rockfish like a gluttonous Kirstie Allie captured binging on a tabloid cover. Further north towards Dupont Circle, The Jefferson (202.448.2300), has also revealed its latest reason to increase your personal budget deficit, Plume, which showcases the talents of Alain Ducasse’s former disciple, Damon Gordon.

Somewhere between white gloved service and street-side pupusas in Mt. Pleasant, DC’s mid-priced eateries impress with hearty portions, creative cuisine, and great ambience. Hank’s Oyster Bar (202.462.4265, www.hanksdc.com), for example, is 110% sensational seafood rapture. “Small plates” like the Griddled Crabcake, the Steamed Blue Bay Mussels, and the BBQ’d oysters broiled in Tabasco, butter and breadcrumbs are what America’s foodie revolution is all about – amazing, fresh ingredients, fierce ingenuity and unbelievable taste. The “large plates” impress, too. The Lobster Roll is oh so New England fabulous and the Bouillabaisse is a favorite of DC’s snobbiest French expats. Other mid-range favorites are better know for their atmosphere and drinks than their cuisine. Places like the Duplex Diner (202.265.7828, www.duplexdiner.com) specialize in fruity, liquid dinners, climaxing on Thursdays when the who’s-who of GLBT DC pack the house.  Likewise, the Mexican institution Lauriol Plaza (202.387.0035, www.lauriolplaza.com), delights with yummy margaritas (but authentic cuisine is far better at places like Casa Oaxaca (202.387.2272, www.oaxacaindc.com) in Adams Morgan).

Though spring has just begun, there’s already chatter about the midweek mayhem of the Tuesday rooftop pool party at the Donovan House (202.737.1200), which resumes in May. In the meantime, scene queens have a few classics to choose from –Cobalt/30 Degrees, Ziegfield’s/Secrets, JR’s, Nellie’s, Town Danceboutique – and their rotating schedule of weekly throw downs. And every night of the week there’s the ubiquitous DC happy hour– an early evening intoxicating mix of networking, socializing, and political debate.